Atkinson said: “Since I joined Keller in 1990, the group has grown significantly, especially in international markets, with the group now working in over 40 countries.

“Particularly during recent years, this has meant an ever increasing amount of overseas travel, which is not something I can continue to commit to.”

The firm said it had started the process to identify a successor to Atkinson.

Keller chairman Roy Franklin hailed the departing leader’s performance and added: “The timing of this decision provides Keller with continuity of leadership and the necessary time to search for and appoint his successor in an orderly handover.”

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